Prevention tips on drowning
According to DEMS during the festive season, cases of drowning incidents tend to increase.
Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) warns of possible drownings this festive season.
According to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, this time of the season temperatures is high and outdoor activities associated with the festive season necessitate a need for many to use water for body cooling.
This is in addition to those who use water for spiritual rituals.
Those who do not have swimming skills need to be aware of the danger of drowning when getting into the water.
This applies more for children who need constant supervision around water. Parents must, therefore, take extreme precautions to ensure their children’s safety.
As many people participate in swimming and other water-related activities, so does the number of unfortunate drowning incidents.
Drowning is the process of respiratory impairment from submersion in liquid and outcomes are either death, morbidity or no morbidity.
Drowning can be categorised into different types such as near drowning, dry drowning, fresh water, salt water and secondary drowning.
Common causes of drowning include:
Lack of supervision
Wherever there is swimming in progress, there should always be a lifeguard or an adult with swimming skills or water rescue skills.
Lack of swimming ability
Many children and adults attempt to get in the water without proper swimming training.
Formal water safety and swimming lessons under the correct supervision of a skilled lifeguard can dramatically decrease the risk of drowning.
Failure to use life jackets
Life Jackets should be worn at all times or be readily accessible and in good shape while in water.
Those performing cultural and religious rituals are also advised to comply to prevent accidental drowning.
Alcohol usage
Avoid drinking alcohol or any intoxicating substances before or during swimming, boating or any water activities.
The ability to swim may be severely limited under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.
One may not be able to take precise judgement on how long and how far one can swim.
Dangerous areas
Never cross over flooded bridges, and river streams, and never use any object or pipes to cross water streams.
Trenches left open can also be death traps. Due to the heavy rain experienced thus far, such may be filled with rainwater and unsuspecting children can drown while trying to cool themselves. The depth of those trenches is known.
In case of an emergency, residents can use any of these numbers.
Phone the life threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line on 011 458 0911, or the national toll-free number 10177 or cellphone 112 for help.
